Pushing

Title: Pushing
Authors: Tarabeth, Jo, and Carol
Characters: Billy, Mason, Jack and Jay
Implements: Paddle

Jay's eyes flew open, his heart was racing, and his body was soaked with sweat. `Oh God, they've got to stop,' Jay thought. He realized he was safe in the loft, and his body relaxed. He could feel Jack still sleeping next to him, and he let out a breath, closed his eyes, and tried to go back to sleep. It didn't work. He tossed back the sheet and climbed out of bed.

Jay padded to the bathroom. He pulled on a pair of boxers after he finished, and headed to the kitchen. Opening up the fridge, he scanned the contents until he found what he wanted. He grabbed the small bowl of chicken salad, and glanced up over the fridge door to make sure Jack was still asleep. He grabbed a beer and slid it into the sling, which was supporting his broken arm. He grabbed the small package of crackers and was on his way.

Jay knew that as long as he didn't touch the outside door, or the back door going to the garage, the alarm system wouldn't go off. He unlocked and opened the door with out any squeaks or clicks, and grabbed his laundry bag. He went to the storage area, and started his load of laundry. Jay settled on a folding chair with Studs in Leather Magazine and popped the top off of his beer. `Yap this should help me sleep,' Jay thought. He propped his feet up on a bucket, and took a long slow tug of his beer.

Jack woke up and sighed when he noticed his Brat missing. He thought, `What the hell.?' when he heard the washing machine start. He padded downstairs and stiffened when he saw the beer. "Is that going to help anything?" he asked, grouchily. "I know you've been having dreams. Do you want to talk about anything?"

Jay jumped, when Jack spoke, causing him to spill the beer all over his crotch. "Damn it Jack, you scared the shit out of me," Jay yelled, throwing his magazine to the floor. He tried to stand, but found it was more difficult to do with only one arm to supporting him. "And no, I don't want to talk about it! Are you going to help me up or just stand there?" Jay snapped.

Jack walked over. "You're sitting better," he said mildly and helped Jay to rise. He then placed a firm swat on his Brat's backside. "You do not talk to me like that," he reminded.

"Oww," Jay yelped. The swat startled him. "Yeah well you're not suppose to scare me like that either," Jay snapped. He pushed past Jack and headed back up stairs. Jay entered the bathroom and slammed and locked the door behind him. He plopped down on to the toilet, and jumped to his feet when the pain shot threw him. His whole body shook either from being wet or from the fear his nightmare had left behind. He gripped the counter tight until his knuckles turned white. "Damn you! I fucking hate you for this!" Jay told the mirror.

Jack was worried. Jay was acting weird, and he didn't think it was an after effect from his accident. He was worried that the pain his Brat was still in was bringing out a lot of underlying problems. He wasn't sure how to move forward. He was a big believer in talking things out, but he wondered how to help his Brat talk about his past.

Jay striped his beer soaked boxer and turned on the water in the sink. He grabbed a face cloth, and quickly cleaned himself the best he could. He then opened the bathroom door to see Jack. His Top was standing with his arms open. Jay was just a little scared at first. He thought maybe Jack was going to tare him a new one, but the look wasn't right. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to be rude, nasty, or disrespectful to you." Jay went to Jack and placed his arm around the big man. This was where he felt safe--at least for the time being. "I just can't handle it anymore."

"Couldn't handle what baby?" Jack asked, gently hugging his Brat. He picked Jay up and carried him to bed. Jack climbed into bed, and started to cuddle Jay close. "I'm here to help you if I can."

The combination of the beer and the pain pill seemed to loosen Jay's tongue; normally he just change the subject, but tonight Jay took a deep breath, and lying as close to Jack as he could, he let it all out. "I hated having parents who don't give a fuck about me. I wasn't able to stand up on my own two feet and fight my own battles." Jay took deep breath. "I don't understand why I was put on earth. Why did my dad's best friend rape me? Why didn't people believe me when I tried to tell them what was wrong." Jay snuggled even closer to Jack. "The only good things I've done in my life were to move here and to find you'" Jay looked up and kissed Jack's stubbly chin. "You need a shave," Jay said. He let out a long yawn. "See beer does help, it puts me to sleep."

"Sweetheart I can't change what happened to you," Jack said holding Jay close. "All you need to know is I love you. I will always be here for you. Nobody is going to hurt you again. Now, you fall off to sleep, and I'll be right here when you wake up." Jack kissed Jay gently, and smiled as his Brat fell to sleep.

Jack couldn't get back to sleep, so he went down to work on his design for Jay's pinky ring. He was seething that someone had raped his love. Eventually he was able to channel the rage of the event into his loving protection and his creative juices took over. His pencil flew over the paper.

Jay awoke to find himself in a half empty bed and an empty loft. His bladder was telling him to get up, but the pain in his arm was telling him to stay in bed. He finally listened to his bladder and got up. After his morning routine, Jay headed for the kitchen and a caffeine fix. He found Jack's note stuck the door of the fridge. "I've gone down stairs to help Mrs. Carlson. She would only allow me to help her."

Jay sat at the table thinking about all that happen at the park, and what he told Jack earlier that morning. His mind went back to the park, and he couldn't believe Billy was jealous over him. He found funny and smiled to himself. He got up and to get Jack's phone book. He found Mason's cell number, grabbed his cell and tapped it in. "Mr. Fireman you forgot to sign my cast when you came calling the other day, stop by anytime." Jay reread the text, to make sure it sounded fine. He thought about deleting it, and leaving things alone, but as a sly grin crossed his face, his finger hit send. `That will get the little shit,' Jay thought. He deleted the text message and Mason's phone number from his phone.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Billy picked up Mason's cell phone. His lover was half way through making him a chocolate cake, and Billy was relaxing in front of the television. He casually looked at the text message in case it was something Mason needed to answer urgently. He saw red and hissed under his breath, "The little shit. I'm going to fucking kill him." Billy ran out of the house and headed towards the jewelry shop.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Jay was just pulling on a tank top when he heard a banging on the door. He shook his head. "Hold your horses!" he yelled out, as he pulled up his shorts. He was about ready to ask what the person's problem was when the door flung open. Jay stepped back when he saw a rather angry Billy standing in before him. "Hey, dude didn't expect to see you," Jay said, standing at his full height.

"You are a fucking troublemaker, " Billy hissed. "Mason's mine, I'm his, and you'd better stop flirting with him."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Mason was surprised when he heard the front door slam shut. He opened the front door and looked for Billy, but saw nothing. When he came back into the house he saw Thomas sitting in the entry hall watching him. "What's up with our Monkey?" Mason said to the cat.

To which the cat responded with a meow.

"Yeah, me either," Mason replied. Mason was on his way back into the kitchen to finish the cake, figuring Billy would be back shortly, when he heard his cell phone beeping that it had a message. He retrieved the phone from the living room and saw Jay's text message. Mason quickly dialed his phone, "Jack, I think we have some trouble."

"Trouble?" Jack queried. "What's Jay done now?" he sighed. Mason told Jack about the text message, the subsequent loss of his Brat, and asked if Jack could handle the two warring Brats until he could arrive. He then hopped in his truck and headed for Jack and Jay's.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Hey dude don't came to MY house and start your shit." Jay said. "I've got Jack. Why would I want something like Mason." Jay told Billy as he went shut the door.

That did it. Billy totally lost his temper. He threw a straight punch, Johnno would have noted it was the first boxing move he taught his young pupil. Billy smiled as he felt it land right on Jay's left eye. Just in case there was a comeback, he automatically went into a defensive pose.

Jay stumbled back and blinked. "Thats the best you got man?" Jay said as he came back with a right cross and got Billy on the lower part of his chin. Jay could feel the jaw move, underneith his fist. "Boxing's for sissys," Jay told Billy as he stumbled back a bit.

Billy swore, it was a while since he'd been in a fight and his defense was sloppy. Jay had no defense to speak of, and was still able to land the uppercut to his chin just as Jack burst in.

"Stop," he yelled using his best Toppy voice. Jason froze and Billy followed suit without dropping his arms.

Billy turned and snarled at Jack, "This has got nothing to do with you."

Jay was seeing red, but not Jack, and he let his fist fly again. This time it landed on the tip of Billy's nose. Jay noticed Jack as he shook out his stance.

Jack's eyes narrowed, as he saw Billy sway out of the way of the punch to the nose. There was something different about his fighting stance. Jack realised what it was when Billy swept Jay's feet out from under him in a classic karate move.

Jay landed hard.

"Billy," Jack's voice snarled. "You stay right where you are boy or you'll be facing me, and I don't have a broken arm."

It took Jay only a few seconds to get back to his feet. Not only did his ass hurt, but now so were his eye, chin and arm. "Dude, you are so in trouble, and not only with Mason, but the law. Dude, you just assulted a goverment worker," Jay told him as he went to get his phone.

"Oh for fuck's sake," Billy replied keeping a very close eye on Jack. "You're a fucking postal worker, get a grip." Billy was not impressed "Anyway you try and charge me for assault, and I'll charge you right back," Billy said.

Jay let out a laugh. "For a crazy person you're funny." Jay told him. "You attacked me in my own home. That's assult. I fought back to protect myself, and I'm already injured. So Billy boy, your fireman husband can't save your scranny ass now, and what is your fucking problem anyway?" Jay asked.

"William!" Mason said, with a raised voice that demanded no argument. Mason held out his hand for his husband. With the other hand, he held up his cell phone, "Jason, would you mind explaining this text message?"

Billy might have been able to ignore Jack's Top voice but there was no way in the world he would ignore Mason's, especially when the full name was being used. Billy's belly suddenly filled with ice, and his anger drained away along with his colour. He was in sooooo much trouble.

"Yes Jason I can't wait to hear your explanation, " Jack said dryly. `Oh shit,' Jay thought. 'Think fast stupid.' "I was just being cute, I wanted you to sign my cast, thats all." Jay said. 'Come on, believe it, please,' Jay thought as he made his way over to Jack.

"I would've been perfectly willing to sign your cast Jay, but as you witnessed a bit of my husband's jealousy the other day, I find it a bit rude, and disrespectful that you would send this particular message," Mason said, giving Jay a very serious look.

"I was out of my mind with pain and drugs, do you really expect me to remember what happen the to the other day?" Jay asked looking at all three men in the room. Not liking the looks he was getting from Jack or Mason, or the fact that Billy's hands were turning into fists again, Jay took a deep breath and sat on the back of the sofa.

"Alright, shit, I was out of line sending it that way, but hell I thought it was neat that someone was jealouse of a white-trash numbskull from Vancouver, like me. Damn dude, I'm really sorry about all this. I didn't mean any harm by it; I just did it for the shit and giggle. I am sorry, really I am." Jay said feeling awful about the whole thing. God he was so dead.

"You're fucking unbelieveable, " Mason's hand on Billy's shoulder made him unclench his fists. "You sent that for a giggle, a fucking laugh. You're an idiot."

Jay jumped to his feet. "I'm an idiot, well I'll tell you something Billy Monroe, it takes an idiot to be jealous over an injured person."

"With respect Mason," Jack replied, "Although my partner was a bit rash in sending the text...." He shot Jason a look that made the younger man blanch slightly. "I don't think that's any reason for Billy to mount an assault on an injured man. Not that we will be pressing charges," he added.

"You are correct Jack, there is no excuse for Billy's attack. But, I do feel that Jay's text was innapriate. Billy didn't treat Jay very nicely the other day, but both Billy and I ensured that Jay was well taken care of. I did that as much because it's my job, as because you are a good friend, and it was important to me to ensure that I kept Jay comfortable and safe."

Mason took a deep breath, and lovingly took Billy by the hand. His husband was in a lot of trouble, but Mason also wanted him to know that he loved him and would defend him. "Thank you for telling the truth Jay. Right now, I would like to take my husband home, and look after his injuries. I appreciate you not pressing charges." Mason spoke softly into Billy's ear. "I love you baby. I want to take you home, and make sure you're okay. Sweetheart can you please give your apologies to both Jack and Jason, so we can go home."

"I'm supposed to apologise to that?" Billy said to Mason. He quailed slightly under the look. "OK, OK. I'm sorry Jack, I'm sorry Jason," Billy mumbled.

Jay changed his tone of voice. "And I thank you, Mason and Billy, for taking care of me in my time of need, and I am truly sorry I screwed up your picnic," Jay told them both.

Billy suddenly felt ashamed. He looked at his actions in the cold light of day and blushed. "Jay," he said, "I'm really sorry for my actions. I totally overreacted and had no right or reason to attack you. Will you forgive me?"

Jay wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, but he looked over at Jack for some kind of clue, the only thing he got was a pair of raised eyebrows, a look that said it all. "Yeah sure, why not it's only a black eye no harm done," Jay told him as he extended his hand to Billy.

Mason gave Billy's hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, love." He gave a nod of his head to Jay. "I'm really sorry for all our trouble Jackson. I'll talk to you soon." Mason stroked his thumb over Billy's hand, feeling the need to keep a connection with his Brat. "Ready to go?" "Yes," Billy replied. He was not brave enough to look in his Top's eyes. "Bye Jack. Bye Jay." He followed Mason out of the apartment, his hand being firmly held.

Mason guided Billy to the truck, and before they got in he gave a Billy a strong hug and soft kiss. "I love you, Monkey. Let's go home and get you cleaned up and settled."

Billy loved the hug and kiss, but he was in turmoil. He knew he was in serious trouble, and he just wanted to get it over and done with. "Mace," he almost whined "I'm not hurt. He landed a punch but I've had worse during sparing practise." Billy swallowed convulsively and gathered his courage, "You said...a punch equalled a paddle," he looked at his lover through his fringe of blond hair, his blue eyes wide.

"I did," Mason replied, "and that's exactly what you can expect, after I've had a chance to check you out. If you don't we me to check you out, we can always make a trip to the emergency room, but they could be required to report your injuries to the police. So, it's your call Monkey."

"No, that's ok," Billy replied hurridly. "No need to involve any police." He bit his lower lip. "Honestly there really is no need to worry. I'm fine." Billy was ignoring the ache in his jaw. He was much more worried about what was going to happen after Mason had checked him out.

Mason pulled up in front of he and Billy's modest two story home. The two men walked separately into the house, and Mason closed the door behind them. "Go upstairs, honey. Take your shirt off and have a seat on the bed."

Mason went to the bathroom and washed his hands. He wet a soft wash clothe with warm water, and gave it a nice lather of soap. He took the first aid kit out from under the sink, and then entered the bedroom to find a nervous and agitated Brat.

Billy was sitting on the bed, to stop his legs from jiggling. He was sitting cross legged in the middle and looked up as Mason entered the room and eyed the washcloth. "What's that for?" he asked confused. "To wash the blood from lip and nose," Mason answered. "Hadn't you not noticed the blood?"

"Nope," Billy replied, realising the copper taste in his mouth wasn't from fear, but from blood. "Damn I thought I swayed away from the fucking prick's nose shot," Billy grumbled. "He must have just caught me. It doesn't hurt at all."

Mason cautiously crawled onto the bed, and sat cross legged next to his husband. "Okay, Monkey, I want to feel your nose and jaw. This is probably going to hurt a bit." As gently as possible, Mason began to touch Billy's face, felling his nose, cheeks, and jaw for any breaks. It hadn't hurt until Mason had began his examination. Billy winced as his husband checked for breaks over the bruises, he wondered idly, if the endorphines had dulled the pain until now.

Mason hurt along with Billy, as he watched his husband wince at his touches. "Okay, love no breaks here. But, your beautiful face is already swelling and turning pretty shades of purple." He began to softly clean the blood from the sweet face; and then he dropped light kisses over Billy's injured face. Mason pulled a large ice pack out of the first aid kit, cracked the chemical pack and held it over Billy's nose and jaw.

He almost purred as Mason kissed him, and sighed as the ice went to work.

Mason piled a stack of pillows against the headboard and motioned for Billy to scoot back. "Now I want to check out your ribs and belly." "I went down controlled, Mason," he whined, "My ribs and belly are fine."

"You didn't even realise you were bleeding, Monkey, so I'm doing the exam." Mason took out his stethoscope and sat next to Billy. He took a quick listen to his Brat's lungs, and then ran his hands over his husband's chest and abdomen. He pressed and poked where needed, and finally ruled Billy fit from the neck down. Mason sat next to Billy at the head of the bed, drew his husband into an embrace, and kissed him fully on the lips. "You scared me today. I didn't like it."

"I'm sorry," Billy mumbled. "I saw red and just took off without thinking." He looked up. "I guess I should give thinking ago next time," he admitted sheepishly. "I'm really glad Jack said they wouldn't press charges. I don't like jails." Billy shut his eyes to banish some nasty memories.

Mason rubbed Billy's back. "I know baby, and I prefer to keep you here too. So, I think now we need to make sure you have a strong deterrent to fighting." Mason reached into the bedside table and withdrew the wooden paddle. He unbuttoned Billy's jeans, and pulled his husband across his lap. Once Billy was settled, Mason pulled his little fighter's pants down and picked up the paddle. There would be no hand spanking this was serious, and his Brat needed to feel that.

Billy automatically clenched his butt, then relaxed. He knew this was going to be bad. His head went up, his eyes wide with shock, as the first swat landed. `Fuck, that was loud,' was his first thought, then the pain hit. `God, how I hate that paddle,' was his final thought as he wailed out a protest. "Massssooooonnnn, that hurts."

"I know baby. I wish you'd remembered that, before you got yourself into trouble." Mason noted that his comment had triggered Billy's guilt, and the soft sobs began as Mason continued to paddle the bare bottom in front of him.

It wasn't too long before the soft sobs increased. Billy thought his butt was so hot and sore it would explode into fire. His not-so-coherent thought, was he was glad Mason was a fireman. He sobbed helplessly and way before Mason finished, he was promising he'd never fight again. Then he lost the power of speech, and his cries of pain and remorse rang through the house.

Mason firmly applied the last swats to the under curve of Billy's bottom. He dropped the paddle on the floor, and lifted Billy into his arms. His Brat had long since lost his jeans, so Mason pulled the comforter at the end of the bed up and over his husband, and gave quiet and calm reassurances of love and safety until Billy fell asleep.

Billy didn't sleep for long, it was difficult to find a comfortable position when both his face and butt were hurting. When he woke with quiet whimpers, Mason handed him some pain medication and a glass of lemonade. It also seemed that a certain little fuzzy feline was rubbing up against Billy's hands for some attention.

"Hi Thomas," Billy muttered waiting for the pain killers to hit. Thomas jumped up and pushed at his hand, and Billy automatically began to stroke him. He looked up, and found Mason's eyes, his smile was crooked "I love you," he said. "I love my little family here, but I hate that damn paddle."

"I know sweetheart," Mason said crawling back into bed and cuddling next to Billy. "But, that turn with the paddle, was well earned. You were fairly warned what would happen should you get into a fight with Jason. Jay's text was cruel and unfair. It would have been better if I had forwarded the text to Jack and let him deal with it, and then I could have finished baking your cake, and spent the afternoon showing you how much I adore you."

Billy wrinkled his nose at Mason. "Okay so if it happens again, I'll stop and think it through." He grinned. "I'll waylay him in an alley," he said his eyes twinkling. He saw Mason's eyes darken "Hey kidding here," he protested.

Mason applied a firm swat to Billy's butt. "That's what you told me about the punch. I think maybe we need to emphasize this lesson with some lines. I think one thousand lines of: I will not ever engage in a physical or verbal fight with Jason Copeland again. Should I break this promise, I will find myself sitting on a firm surface, writing a similar line 10,000 times, on a very sore bottom." Mason watched as the twinkle disappeared from Billy's eyes. He was usually saddened to watch the twinkle disappear, but in this case he felt it was justified. "You may write them on your belly, or any other position you find comfortable, and you don't need to do it now. Right now, I would like you stay here with me and Thomas and let the medication work."

"A thousand lines," Billy spluttered "You've got to be kidding." He looked up. "Oh shit, you're not. That's so mean," he pouted. His eyes started to cloud as the medication hit. "I feel no pain," his voice slurred and he cuddled into Mason. "That doesn't mean you aren't still a meanie," he said.

"As long as I'm your meanie, I'm good," Mason said. He gave his Brat a smile and a kiss.

The End